Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Breakdown: Running Backs

Nov 15, 2014; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) runs for a touchdown with 29 seconds remaining in second quarter at High Points Solutions Stadium. Rutgers Scarlet Knights defeat the Indiana Hoosiers 45-23. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

RB1 — Tevin Coleman

The Falcons didn’t add third round selection Tevin Coleman just to come in and compete for a spot; he will likely become the starter at running back.

Oct 11, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) breaks away from Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jordan Lomax (27) for a touchdown at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Coleman certainly believes he will be the starter, and has said he is “coming in and working right away”, per Vaughn McClure of ESPN:

“I’m going to come in there and I’m going to get a starting spot,” Coleman said via conference call on Friday. “That’s what I’m going to do. Whoever is the starting back, they don’t have to work. I’m coming in and working right away.”

He doesn’t lack confidence, but it’s the attitude you want from the potential future back.

Coleman is exactly what the Falcons’ ground game needs. He’s powerful, strong and will fight for every yard. He is quick, and can cause defensive backs nightmares when he hits top speed.

He fits the mold of a Dan Quinn back, and Quinn is excited with what he can bring to Atlanta:

“When you talk about him specifically, it’s the toughness and the quickness to take the ball all the way,” Quinn said of Coleman. “First the toughness, with and without the ball. It’s the long-play ability; the ones where he can turn an 8-yard run into a 25-yard run and the big play that goes all the way.

Coleman will need to earn his spot as the starting back, but there’s no reason to believe he won’t be starting Week 1. He has the makings to be a top back in the NFL, and will help the Falcons’ offense enormously.

Next: Backup